From filing police reports, dealing with insurance companies, and spending time in court, being a victim of a car accident can be overwhelming – especially if you sustain injuries. Oftentimes, shock sets in, which may impair your ability to think clearly or rationally at the scene and possibly in the days and weeks following the accident. Taking quick action immediately after a car accident will help you determine fault, recover the compensation you deserve and save you unnecessary issues later.
It’s important to document your accident through quality pictures. Good photos can showcase details that otherwise may be overlooked. These four tips will prepare you for taking quality photos at the scene of a car accident:
Time is of the essence
Time and accuracy are important when taking car accident photos. Make sure to begin taking photos immediately at the scene after the car accident occurs. While injuries and other factors may prevent you from taking photos immediately, it is important to take photos or have someone take them for as soon as possible and preferably at the initial scene. If you are unable to take photos, it is important to ask your attorney, a family member or friend to photograph your injuries as soon as possible and return to the scene to capture any remaining evidence on your camera.
Quantity makes a difference
Photo quantity matters, so it’s practical to take excessive photos to capture the right details. Sometimes those photos we may dismiss as unnecessary actually may be key in uncovering important details later. Make sure to take photos of anything related to the car accident, which may include the interior and exterior of the vehicles, people involved in the accident or at the scene, weather conditions, skid marks, damaged parts, and police officers and other first responders. Additionally, it is important to photograph any debris produced by the accident, the road where the accident occurred, stop signs or traffic lights, surrounding businesses and injuries you sustain.
Capture photos from multiple angles
To properly assess the evidence, it’s important to photograph the items listed above at a variety of angles. Close-up shots also work well to show the extent of damage. More importantly, do not forget to gather photographic evidence of the weather conditions and use the date stamp function on your camera or mobile phone if available. For example, if you claim you sustained injuries because the other driver hydroplaned and then rear-ended your vehicle, you want to be able to prove that it was raining outside.
Photograph your injuries throughout the recovery process
Photographing the injuries you sustain in a car accident is one of the most valuable parts of the claim process. Continue taking photos as you transition through the recovery process. You can use these photos to illustrate the extent of your injuries and the difficulties they have caused you over time. Lastly, it’s important to capture images of your injuries in the event they are severe enough to interfere with you working or require ongoing medical treatment or physical therapy.
To schedule a consultation and learn more about our expert representation in car accident cases, contact our office.